President Prabowo Subianto held the Annual Consultation Meeting with visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, discussing urgent, critical issues involving both bilateral and Southeast Asia regional relations.

Upon the completion of the tête-à-tête, Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sugiono, briefed the media about the outcomes of the talks. He cited that the bilateral discussions covered a range of issues, with a key focus on cooperation in education, particularly for the children of Indonesian migrant workers employed in Malaysia.

“We discussed the establishment of Community Learning Centers for children of Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia, including in the Peninsula, Sabah, and Sarawak, to ensure that these children can access education,” Sugiono said.

This educational initiative reflects both countries’ commitment to improving the welfare of migrant workers and their families.

Regional security and ASEAN’s roles

The meeting also addressed regional security concerns, particularly the escalating tensions at the Thailand-Cambodia border. Sugiono emphasized that Indonesia, as part of ASEAN, has been actively engaging with Malaysia, which currently chairs the regional organization, to promote de-escalation.

“Since the first day of the incident, ASEAN Foreign Ministers have been coordinating and urging both parties to exercise restraint. Indonesia has expressed its readiness to work with ASEAN, under Malaysia’s leadership, to help achieve a ceasefire and de-escalation,” he cited.

He said further that ASEAN remains committed to resolving the issue through dialogue and peaceful negotiations.

“Between Cambodia and Thailand, there is a Joint Border Committee tasked with addressing border issues. We also conveyed that ASEAN is united in its belief that we can resolve this matter through family-based cooperation,” he added.

Economic and cultural ties

In his remarks, President Prabowo stressed the importance of further strengthening the relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia, particularly in the economic sector. He highlighted the shared cultural and linguistic ties as a solid foundation for fostering deeper cooperation.

“Friendship must be reflected in solid economic relations between our two countries, for the well-being of our peoples,” President Prabowo said.

Both leaders expressed optimism that the ongoing collaboration in education, economic ties, and regional security would contribute to long-term peace, prosperity, and mutual benefit for both nations.

This year’s Annual Consultation Meeting reaffirms Indonesia and Malaysia’s mutual commitment to advancing cooperation in key areas while addressing regional challenges, particularly in fostering peace and protecting the welfare of migrant workers.